Composer · Los Angeles

Cutter Arey

I write music rooted in melody, with the belief that the right combinations of notes have the ability to speak with unusual directness — it is just my job to find them. Based in Los Angeles, I studied at the Boston Conservatory for three years, where I received a Graduate Performance Diploma and a Professional Studies Certificate, both in composition, with piano as my primary instrument. While there, I studied privately with composers Eun Young Lee, Michael Gilbertson, and Dan VanHassel.

My love of art music stems from how human and natural it is. The expressivity that can be achieved from a human playing an acoustic instrument is important to hold onto, and my process always involves playing instruments. To the extent possible, I leave the computer until it's time to engrave. I love collaborating with performers and knowing who I'm writing for: it changes the piece for the better.

I write music for concerts, media, and living rooms alike. If you have an interest in collaborating, or have questions about my music, please don't hesitate to inquire below. I reply to all messages myself within 24 hours.

With gratitude,
Cutter

Works

Orchestra

Kaleō Orchestra 8:30 · 2025

Chamber

String Quartet No. 2 String quartet 9:00 · 2026
String Quartet No. 1 String quartet 7:10 · 2025
Essence of the Heart Flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, vibraphone 5:00 · 2024
Maggiore Piano trio 4:25 · 2024

Solo

Invisible Solo piano 8:30 · 2026
The Moon Reflects a Greater Light Solo piano 4:00 · 2026
Where Light Rests Solo flute 4:00 · 2026
The World Flourishes and Cries Solo piano, two movements 8:00 · 2024

Voice

The Road Not Taken Soprano and string quartet · text by Robert Frost 3:00 · 2025
You Love the Sun Soprano and piano · text by Melissa Scarpelli 2:30 · 2025

Choral

Psalm 73 Choir and organ c. 20:00 · 2026
Invitation to Love Choir, cello and piano · text by Paul Laurence Dunbar 5:15 · 2026
In the Stillness, God of Mercy Hymn arrangement 2026

Psalm 73 is in progress. Scores and recordings are on the way.

Get in touch

Letters

New recordings and scores, now and then. Nothing frequent.